Franklin Planner Podcast

George Wright III is joined by two-time world champion and Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace to discuss her journey from skeleton racing to becoming a global speaker and author. Noelle shares the pivotal moment of her devastating 2005 injury while ranked #1 in the world and the conscious choice she made to push through rather than let the setback define her.They talk about the importance of knowing your purpose, both lifelong and "in real time," to ensure your identity is not solely tied to professional success. Noelle introduces the "Friction Factor" using a bell curve to illustrate the "sweet spot" of peak performance located between disengagement (too little friction) and burnout (too much friction). She also discusses being "process-oriented" rather than "results-driven," citing how losing an Olympic medal by a 10th of a second due to dragging shoelaces taught her about the power of small margins and daily decisions.Noelle concludes with the core message of her book, No Excuses: focusing on the next 60 seconds to take full ownership of one's life and align daily actions with long-term purpose.01:22 Getting "Tricked" into Skeleton04:30 The 2005 Injury and the Choice to Move Forward06:00 Identity vs. Purpose in Real Time08:56 Choosing Your Next 60 Seconds09:20 Writing "No Excuses" in an RV11:00 The 2010 Fourth-Place Finish13:00 The Shoelace Margin15:40 Realigning for the 2014 Olympics with Family17:15 Process-Oriented vs. Results-Driven19:10 Winning Silver vs. Losing Gold22:20 The Friction Factor Bell Curve26:00 Corner 12 and Root Cause Analysis29:45 The Power of the Next Minute Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout the Guest: Noelle Pikus-PaceNoelle Pikus-Pace is a retired American skeleton racer and one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport. Beyond her medals, she is widely recognized for her extraordinary resilience and the "Moment of the Games" celebration with her family at the 2014 Olympics.Guest Resources:Official Website: NoellePikusPace.comInstagram: @noellepikuspaceLinkedIn: Noelle Pikus PaceFacebook: Noelle Pikus-Pace Fan Page

George Wright III and co-host John Harding discuss leadership and propose that an organization’s greatest growth opportunity lies in deeply valuing and investing in its key stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and others. They talk about “deep respect” as a growth strategy and cite research linking engagement and organizational health to higher profitability, productivity, and shareholder returns. Two primary obstacles are outlined: the “mission-strategy-success gap,” where few employees understand or connect daily work to strategy, and the “productivity avalanche,” driven by constant digital interruptions and low-value activity. Harding introduces “being on signal” as the solution: dual alignment with the organization’s mission and each stakeholder’s definition of success, supported by clarity, rhythm, measurement, trust, and systems such as Franklin Planner.01:26 Stakeholders Drive Growth04:35 Respect as Strategy09:05 Mission Strategy Gap13:07 Productivity Avalanche16:20 On Signal Solution20:21 Franklin Planner SystemThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team

This week on the Podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding talk with resident history expert Misty Howard about the U.S. 250th anniversary and the leadership lessons of George Washington. They frame Washington as a case study in value-based leadership: choosing duty over personal comfort, anchoring to civil and religious liberty, and living for a cause greater than self. Misty describes Washington’s reluctance to accept command, the extreme hardship and losses of the Revolutionary War, including Valley Forge, and how he built unity, trust, and resilience by sharing deprivation and leading from the front. They highlight his refusal to take a salary, his role in defusing the unpaid officers’ near-mutiny, and his restraint in rejecting power after victory, emphasizing that freedom requires responsibility, sacrifice, and character.00:26 America 250th Anniversary02:12 Why Washington Served04:26 Trepidation and Stakes07:22 Cause Greater Than Self09:53 Leading by Sacrifice10:45 Defusing a Mutiny13:16 Timeless Principles Today18:24 Valley Forge Resilience22:48 Rejecting Absolute Power25:49 Final Lessons and QuoteThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Misty HowardMisty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and the narration of historical truths that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.

How to Be Proactive: Timeless Lessons from History on Leadership, Responsibility, and Personal GrowthAre you living intentionally — or simply reacting to everything life throws at you? In this episode, discover how history’s greatest leaders mastered personal responsibility, emotional control, and proactive decision-making to shape their destiny.In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III is joined by Franklin Planner board member John Harding and historian and podcast host Misty Howard for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to be proactive.Rooted in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the discussion explores how individuals can shift from reacting to circumstances to intentionally choosing their responses. The guests explain how language shapes mindset, why governing values create long-term stability, and how focusing on what you can control expands personal influence.Misty brings history to life through compelling examples of Viktor Frankl, Abraham Lincoln, and Abraham Clark, demonstrating how courage, discipline, and principle-based living enable people to rise above extreme adversity. John connects these timeless lessons to practical application, emphasizing how daily habits and values-driven planning empower leadership at every stage of life.Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to strengthen personal accountability, emotional control, and purpose-driven living.04:30 – Acting vs. Being Acted Upon09:15 – Language Patterns and Personal Responsibility15:40 – Viktor Frankl and Choosing Freedom in Adversity25:10 – Abraham Lincoln and Emotional Discipline34:20 – Governing Values and the Circle of Influence42:45 – Abraham Clark and Loyalty to Principles50:10 – Invictus Poem and Personal OwnershipThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Misty HowardMisty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences.Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.Guest Resources:Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III hosts an Exclusive Interview with Cardone, a renowned business expert and author. Grant delves into his philosophy on achieving success, emphasizing the importance of self-respect, personal responsibility, and maintaining integrity in all affairs. He shares insights on his practical approach to growth, elaborating on his 10X rule, and discusses the significance of big vision and wealth as tools for broader goals. Grant also touches on the value of writing down goals as a daily discipline, the critical nature of completing tasks, and how his family integrates into his work life. Through anecdotes and personal examples, he inspires listeners to lead their lives actively, without excuses, and to hustle for opportunities in today's economy.01:53 What Matters Most: Personal Responsibility and Integrity03:56 The 10X Rule: Vision and Growth12:46 Wealth and Success: Redefining Wealth21:21 Daily Rituals and Personal Discipline25:53 Blind Spots and Continuous Learning28:43 Digital Overwhelm: Staying Focused29:51 Avoiding Digital Distractions30:58 The Power of Writing Goals34:08 Leadership and Personal Responsibility42:36 Creating a Balanced Life47:29 Challenging Conventional WisdomThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Grant Cardone Grant Cardone is an American entrepreneur, real estate investor, sales strategist, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Cardone Capital, a real estate private equity firm with billions of dollars in assets under management, and the creator of the 10X philosophy, which focuses on massive action and goal achievement. Cardone is also a New York Times bestselling author of multiple business books, a frequent keynote speaker, and the host of popular business and entrepreneurship programs and events worldwide.Guest Resources: Website: https://grantcardone.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantcardonefan/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrantCardoneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcardone/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GrantCardone

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Ben Kjar. Ben, an American wrestler, international speaker, real estate investor, and motivational figure, shares his remarkable life story of overcoming Crouzon syndrome to become a NCAA Division One Wrestling All American and a world champion wrestler. Ben discusses the principles and daily rituals that have guided his success, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, involving supportive people, and maintaining a rigorous daily routine. The conversation also delves into Ben's upcoming movie 'Standout', which documents his journey and aims to inspire others to realize their potential and overcome obstacles. The film, releasing on January 23rd, aims to reach a wide audience to spread its powerful message. Ben's story and advice offer valuable insights for anyone looking to lead a successful and fulfilling life.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:44 Ben Kjar's Early Life and Challenges01:44 Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success04:52 The Power of Setting Goals07:31 Support Systems and Accountability18:40 Daily Rituals for Success19:31 Morning Routine and Workout Priorities21:07 The Crown Code: A Way of Living22:23 Principles and Goals: A Personal Story24:01 Overcoming Adversity: Wrestling Journey30:59 The Impact of the Movie 'Stand Out'36:25 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Ben KjarBen Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done! He has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. Ben is Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American and has represented the USA team internationally. Ben is an international professional speaker and has told his story to millions around the globe, in front of crowds of up to 10,000 people!Guest Resources:Website: https://www.benkjar.com/Instagram: @benkjarFacebook: Ben KjarX (formerly Twitter): @benkjarLinkedIn: Ben KjarFilm Website: https://standoutfilm.com/ https://blog.franklinplanner.com/born-to-standout-ben-kjars-journey-of-courage-discipline-and-purpose/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III welcomes esteemed guest Stephen M.R. Covey, a global authority on leadership, trust, and organizational performance. Covey discusses his legacy of timeless principles in leadership and trust, stemming from the influential teachings of his father, Dr. Stephen R. Covey. The conversation delves into the importance of trust as both a social virtue and economic driver, emphasizing the concept of 'Smart Trust' as a strategic and calculated way to build trust in teams and organizations. Covey outlines his 'Five Waves of Trust' model, which starts with self-trust and ripples out to team, organization, marketplace, and societal trust. He shares practical daily actions such as identifying high-leverage behaviors, declaring intentions, and being more trusting to help individuals build self-trust and improve their leadership. The episode is packed with actionable insights aimed at helping listeners lead their lives more effectively by prioritizing trust and integrity.00:49 Stephen Covey's Background and Legacy02:07 Foundational Principles of Leadership07:08 Building Trust in Organizations10:56 The Economics of Trust18:46 The Ripple Effect of Trust25:49 Building Self-Trust26:48 The Power of Small Commitments30:45 Common Behaviors That Break Trust36:22 Extending Smart Trust41:01 Daily Actions to Build TrustThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest:Stephen M.R. Covey is a bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert known for his work on trust, ethics, and high performance, particularly his book The SPEED of Trust, which frames trust as a crucial economic driver, not just a soft skill. He's the former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, instrumental in making his father's 7 Habits famous, and now leads FranklinCovey's Global Speed of Trust Practice, advocating for "Trust & Inspire" leadership over old "Command & Control" methods. Guest Resources:Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/StephenMRCoveyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenmrcovey/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029016867179LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-m-r-covey-6400191a5/Other Useful Online LinksPersonal / Project Website: Trust & Inspire — https://trustandinspire.com/ Insight Out ShowProfessional Site: Speed of Trust — https://www.speedoftrust.com/https://blog.franklinplanner.com/stephen-m-r-covey-how-high-trust-leaders-get-better-results-in-life-and-work/

In this engaging discussion, Dr. William D. Danko, bestselling author and wealth-building researcher, reveals the core habits of ordinary millionaires, emphasizing frugality and savings. He connects caregiving for his quadriplegic brother to his understanding of true wealth, blending financial success with charitable giving. Dr. Danko shares survey findings highlighting the disparity between wealth and happiness, and challenges listeners to teach financial principles to children. His insights from 'The Millionaire Next Door' inspire intentional living and a focus on deeper life satisfaction.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, host John Harding converses with the versatile and insightful Dr. Breck England. They delve into Dr. England's extensive background, his work with leadership and productivity solutions at Franklin Covey, and the impactful Franklin Planner system. The discussion centers around the story of Margot, a woman striving to find balance in her chaotic life through the principles of the Franklin Planner. Dr. England elaborates on core components like values, goals, intermediate steps, and the weekly and daily planning process. Additionally, the episode explores the benefits of integrating both digital and paper planning tools to maximize productivity and maintain focus on what matters most. Ending with a tribute to Benjamin Franklin's influence, this episode is a comprehensive guide to enhancing personal and professional life through thoughtful planning.00:52 Introducing Dr. Breck England01:30 Breck's Professional Journey03:49 Margot's Story: Overcoming Challenges07:47 The Franklin Planner System10:26 Defining Personal Values and Goals13:38 The Productivity Pyramid27:10 Mission, Vision, and Purpose33:47 Setting Meaningful Goals34:20 The Power of the Calendar36:20 Achieving Goals with Intermediate Steps39:28 The Importance of Writing Things Down41:34 Balancing Digital and Paper Planning45:12 Weekly and Daily Planning53:38 The Planner System's Impact on LifeThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Dr. Breck EnglandDr. Breck England is Senior Product Architect and Writer-in-Chief for FranklinCovey. As a senior consultant, Breck has 25 years of field experience in helping some of the world's prime corporations become more effective in leadership and communication. He has directed projects for some 200 organizations around the world, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bank of America, GE, AT&T, Groupe Bull, Hoffmann-La Roche, Chevron, and Lawrence-Livermore Laboratories.Before joining FranklinCovey, Breck served as Vice President of Intellectual Property for FranklinQuest and Vice President of Consulting for Shipley Associates, an international communication training firm. Breck earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of Utah and was adjunct professor of organizational leadership and strategy in the Marriott School of Brigham Young University for seven years.Book: Presentation Advantage: How to Inform and Persuade Any AudiencePodcast: https://breckengland.podbean.com/https://blog.franklinplanner.com/living-with-purpose-with-breck-england/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Shawn Moon, chairman and CEO of Zerorez. Shawn shares insights from his extensive background in leadership, having held executive roles at Franklin Covey and worked with Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide. The discussion covers the importance of timeless principles from the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,' highlighting their universality and relevance across different cultures and organizational levels. Shawn emphasizes the significance of weekly planning and daily personal victories as foundational to effective leadership. He also provides a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which distills wisdom from interviews with 100 CEOs. Personal anecdotes about Stephen R. Covey underscore the enduring power of these principles in both professional and personal life. This episode offers actionable advice for leading oneself and others effectively in today's complex world.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:35 Meet Shawn Moon: A Leader's Journey03:39 The Impact of the Seven Habits06:58 Applying Principles in Business and Life16:03 The Power of Weekly Planning23:21 Daily Private Victory: Sharpening the Saw28:09 The Power of Choice: Habit One28:48 Defining Your Values: Habit Two29:11 Executing Priorities: Habit Three29:43 Foundations of Personal Leadership30:03 Effective vs. Ineffective Leaders31:06 The Importance of Principles32:37 Researching Leadership Insights33:30 Lessons from Top CEOs42:07 Remembering Stephen R. Covey46:47 The Role of Empathy in LeadershipThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Shawn MoonCEO, DIRECTOR & BOARD MEMBER OF BOTH THE USA AND UK COMPANIESShawn is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since September
2017; previously he served as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Moon has over 35 years
of executive experience, having spent over 25 years with the FranklinCovey Company where he
served as the Executive Vice President and had responsibility for the company's direct offices
and operations globally. He was also a principle with Mellon Financial. Since joining as CEO, Mr.
Moon has transformed Zerorez, increasing revenue, profitability, and securing private equity
funding with PE firm Banner Ventures. For his accomplishments, he was recently named as a
finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Moon is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author,
and he and his wife live at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and have 4 children 7 wonderful
grandchildren.Guest Resources:WebsiteUK WebsiteInstagramFacebook Pagehttps://blog.franklinplanner.com/cultivating-success-timeless-principles-with-shawn-moon/